The Pittsburgh Pirates have called up Gorkys Hernandez for the weekend series against the Detroit Tigers. A move was expected after the Pirates demoted Alex Presley earlier in the week, and promoted Evan Meek. That move gave the team eight relievers in the bullpen. With the designated hitter in use this weekend, an extra bat was needed.
Hernandez is hitting for a .266/.343/.355 line in Triple-A this year over 124 at-bats. He’s been hitting well in May, with a .277/.329/.400 line.
Hernandez was originally acquired in the Nate McLouth trade about three years ago. He’s a strong defender, possibly the best defensive outfielder in the Pirates’ system. He doesn’t do much with the bat, and is mostly a singles hitter, although he can rack up a few extra base hits thanks to his speed. He has five doubles and two homers this year in Indianapolis, which is double the amount of homers he had last year.
To make room, the Pirates have optioned Evan Meek down to Triple-A.
